***Give us your suggestions***

Do you have ideas on how to make our forum better for our users? Changes that you would like to see? This is your chance to give us your suggestions & feedback about NBR's Dell forum.

To give you a preview to a couple of projects possibly in the works:
Dell FAQs - include general info about coupons, warranty, different stages (need some suggestions for Topics)
Dell Model Notebook Guide

We want to get ideas on how to make our forums more user friendly, so any comment or feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,
Dell Moderators

 

I love the idea of the Dell Model Guide. I suggest separate sticky threads for Insprion, Latitude, and XPS notebooks, so there would be no confusion in one big thread. And I want to suggest another sticky "A beginners guide to Dell" stuff about phone numbers, links, etc about tech support, spare parts, basically on how to reach the right person at Dell that you want to talk to if you have any questions. I'll think of some more stuff and post later on about it.

 

I'm the nugget here, but you did ask....

I'd suggest some 'sub-forums'. As it currently stands there is a little bit of everything in the soup.

Maybe something along the lines of:

Pre-purchase Info/Questions [e.g. Which one should I buy?; What about this coupon?]

Post-Purchase Info/Questions [e.g. How do I ....]

Maybe a cats-n-dogs area speaking to Dell accessories/upgrades/places to buy this n that

Get things a bit more organized [like I wish I was that organized.... ]

Mark

 

Guides from Dell.com revised on here. For example, for the E1705 and how to change the keyboard, HD, CPU, screen, etc.

Id be something i would be interesting in writing

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I was planning on putting the topics that you listed in the FAQs. I might rename it some that users will know that it is for new Dell users, and not so much the ones that have had their laptop for awhile.

As for the model guide, we really are trying to avoid having a ton of stickies, but we will probably figure out some way were each would have their own thread.

On the sub forums, this has been discussed before between the mods/admins, but we can't figure out how to divide. 90% of our threads are related to tech support, and most of that is the Inspiron models. If we broke them up by class (XPS/Latitude/Inspiron), it might not do much good. We could try to break up by each Inspiron model, but I think the general consensus is to have a small number of subforums.

Nice idea, Nick but that is really time consuming, and plus Dell has all of those guides on their web. I might link to each one in the FAQs, but I think most users know where to get the guides. I could be wrong. Like I said, it's been requested that we limit the number of stickies on dell.

 

Add a link out at the bottom, NotebookForums.com has a good solution. That way you don't have to scroll all the way to the top to link out. My 2c.

Hermit

 

I'm not sure if i know what you are talking about Hermit. Can you show me a link from NBF?

 

A "Forum Jump" Hermit?

It would be something i would give a try Amber.
Im not sure it is on how hard it is to find for other members...i had to do a google to get it for me

 

Dell has all of the ownership and upgrade guides on their web at support.dell.com . You just have to select your system, and then choose "User Manuals" instead of drivers and downloads.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins8200/en/index.htm is for your laptop. If you click "view" for service guide. They have it where it is given in detail on how to upgrade every part, and this is done for every single laptop that dell has ever made. I don't see how we could do that and make it as user friendly as way they have it. See what I'm saying?

It's a good idea, but IMO, I think it would be a waist of time trying to recreate it ourselves when it is already out there and easily available. Its just a matter of getting users aware of where they are located.

 

I would just hyperlink them IMO. The subforum idea is good. Can that happen? That would be many subfourms though. I do have to agree with mark though. It's a big melting pot of questions, not really a file system for it.

 

Yeah, we can have subforums as far as I know. I think the admins will support the idea once we can find a good way to divide it up. If you guys have ideas on it, let us know.

 

How about screen size like 15.4"&17" section (something like the what should I buy questions)? Each model's own section would be much, I think. And you could mix and match the insprion/latitude/xps in there.

 

http://forums.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=43667

Like that?

 

Something to that effect. I'm talking along the lines of a 15.4"-17" that would include the i6000, i9300, i9200, xps m170, e1505, d810, m20, m70, etc. People with can go and receive a smaller melting pot of questions and answers.

 

That might work. We don't want to make it as sub-forumy (new word ) as what NBF has. Nothing against NBF, but I think it would be more user efficient if it was just a few subforums.

I had thought about maybe dividing up it up between single core and dual core. Then a general forum.

 

Nah, I think screen size is good enough, so people can go to people who know about that notebook group. Are you on my wavelength?

 

LOL, yeah, question is whether the admins will like the idea.

 

Get abaxter in here then!!!

 

LOL, well i'm waiting. Cause I"m sure there will be a few complaints about splitting it up like that. Besides I have to get Brian and Chaz also

 

Ok, lol... So complaints... have any?

 

lol well i'm just a bit concerned about breaking it up according to screen size.

I see your point, but at the same time, it seems like most of the problems aren't really related to size of laptop, but which line it is in. I don't know. I'm waiting to get so more feedback on it.

Its a good idea, I just don't know how effective it would be.

 

i think the problem is that alot of the problem with dell lappies is that some or most of thier problems transcend the difference models so it is hard to seperate the forums by line, screen, etc

 

Good point, but it would be more busy than what it is now if you had each model as a sub forum. That is why I suggested the screen size.

 

that probably would be the best way to handle it...each grade of laptop might just have related threads going at the same time but at least there would be some differentiation. those who are not familier with the forum would at least be able to locate thier own model and find help as such....i would think this might make it harder for the moderators b/c now they would have to monitor three "rooms" at the same time and possible repost in each.....ex. mediadirect installation.

 

good point, but mediadirect is being implemented into most dells already. Now I'm thinking about a sort about "General" "Hardware" "Software" something along the lines of that. That should fix confusion

 

the one prob i have seen when forums do have this type of split is.....people dont read, dont look, and dont understand that everything under the sun should not go under general thats why there are hardware and software distinctions. but dont let me pontificate

 

Gotcha! I say leave it alone now. This panel can't find any agreement.

 

now that is something we can agree on.....lol......calling it a night....good dialogue ccbr

 

LOL, now you guys know how the mods feel. We've been discussing ideas, but so far nothing seem to work.

Keep the ideas coming. We've gotten alot of great suggestions so far.

 

Maybe extend the number of threads viewed when you enter the Dell forum. I notice a lot of times, after i come home after a full day, there are threads onto the next page. Those sometimes can be ignored. Maybe instead of 20, 30? Just a thought.

Oh, and i would have to go with the Core Duo/Single core sub forum idea...you get to many sub forums, and it can be confusing to new users.

 

Hi,

This suggestion is not totaly devoid of personal gain, but hey, you asked!

A section with requests for people to try something.

Say, you have a programm running that flashes blue with purple dots when the moon is full, you could launch a request to other users to try it. Something to that extend.

Ice-Tea out.

 

At the top of this page there is a link tree, so the you can go to Dell or Notebook Manufactures or Forums, with one click. If that tree were repeated at the bottom that would be perfect. Obviously, the back buttom will take you to Dell. However, for those of us with slow connections, fewer clicks, more better.

NBF does it with a pull down dialog, same function, different implementation. Either solution would be very nice.

Hermit

 

but there is one up on top of the page. Doesnt that work just as good?

 

I'm just a newbie, but if there are going to be subforums, I think it would be better to base those based on what it is you're looking for and not the kind of computer you have; say, make the subforums about "Upgrading", "Accessories", "Available hardware", etc. Just my $0.02...

I agree that there is way too much activity not to lose track of the threads when they get bumped down to page 2, but the number of threads per page can be adjusted on your profile, right?

 

Currently, the default title for this post is Re: ***Give us your suggestions***.

I'd like to suggest that the default title be blank for all replies.

Hermit

 

Unfortunately I have no control over the title for replies. That would be a good suggestion for the forums, so you might create a thread in "Site Suggestions" forum so the admins can see it.

Thank you akarasuma for your suggestions. This thread is for suggestions from everyone, so don't hesistate to suggest anything. On the breaking up, we try to keep the Dell forum specifically related to the manufacturer, so questions about software or accessories are ususally address in those forums. I can see why we should break up dell according to accessories/upgrades, but there are so many 3rd party accessories and general upgrades, that most of the threads are moved to those forums.

It is very easy to lose track of threads, but like you stated, I believe you can adjust how many threads are shown. I know you can adjust your settings to see more posts on the individual thread.

Thanks Guys. Keep them coming...

SG

 

A) As for your mention on page 1 "for the model guide, we really are trying to avoid having a ton of stickies", one way might be to have a separate Dell forum with stickies only.

B) The "Dell Coupons" section can be more comprehensive, I was occasionally able to find Dell coupons on other sites which you didn't have, mostly stackable coupons in the range of $30-50.

 

this is my first time to visit the Forum, so i can't offer any useful pieces of advice, but hope i would give help in no distance future..........

 

How about a Dell subForum to collect all the Buying posts.
For example:

• What Dell do I buy?
• Should I buy a this or a that?
• When will my Dell ship?
• I just got my XYZ
• Should I get TrueLife or Matte
• What screen resolution
• Yada, yada, yada!!!

 

I did not completely read the whole thread because of its length so 2nd this if it has been mentioned.

Have a seperate area with tutorials and/or Wiki section. You can have one sticky listing and linking to all the tutorials.

How about having a 'home page' for each manufacture. It would give you the ability to add more content and keep everything organized.

 

I don't know about the subforums. The admins have the final approval on that, but i'll aske them what they think about making a what to buy dell forum.

What kind of tutorials are you thinking about? if it is how to upgrade/repair, I'm just going to do a link of the official ones on Dell.

 

It's my first time in this forum. It's great. Lots of useful information for those who want to buy a laptop.

 

It's off topic I know. But you should send your compliments to the Admins. I'm sure they get plenty, but I think that's the most appropriate means to praise the forums. =D!

 

i suggest improving the section on "reformat and reinstall xp on dell laptops."

i dont mean that it isnt helpful or its bad but for me its not specific enough or not step by step enough. maybe it wasnt meant to be that way??

but when i read that section i come out wondering about alot of things...

i get lost when it talks about partitions and which ones im deleting and why would i need to repair? how do i get to the place where i am using the instructions on how to delete a partition? will a screen pop up during formatting and installation where the instructions become clear on how to delete create partition? if i delete the restore and diagnostics will i beable to add this unpartitioned space easily to the main partition?

where is the driver folder? is it just in c:drivers? or is it hidden some where deeper? which way is best/easiest recommended way to get install drivers?
if in option 2. you update driver, what happens?

maybe im asking for too much step by step detail.

i actually have build a desktop which has been working for 3 years now but since i dont build systems all the time i guess i wish there was more detail. and it seems that im not the only one since people seem to ask about details or problems they have had.

dont get me wrong... i could never do as good a job on the instructions by southerngirl and im very thankful for it... im just wondering if it could be maybe in more detail or something. which would give me more confidence when i do my laptop.

or maybe im just an idiot
ty

 

your not an idiot at all.

its a very helpful guide i must say that, but it cant sort of be a little hard on the beginner. My first time i reformated, i read that guide, and it was helpful to me, and i could understand it.
But that varys be each person...

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I need to redo the XP guide, but right now I just don't have time for it. Hopefully things will get back to normal in a few weeks where I can do that, but until then if you have any questions, feel free to send me a PM and I can answer your questions directly.

 

It will be nice if my reply to post/thread will be linked to my control panel so that I can quickly go to those threads for an update.

 

Too many posts to read; but if it hasn't been recommended yet, picture compilations would really help out.